Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Blacklick, Ohio a burb of Columbus
Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
Ok ya'll here are a couple of noob questions for you. I just bought a 2006 XLH Sportster and am looking at getting saddlebags or something to haul my gear around (gear meaning, bike cover, raingear, lunch etc etc etc) I am also looking for the best way to clean and polish everything from the paint, chrome, leather, tires and any other part that needs cleaning and polishing.
I have no clue what to get for saddlebags because they come in so many different shapes, styles and sizes any and all advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot before you even start answering.
I have no clue what to get for saddlebags because they come in so many different shapes, styles and sizes any and all advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot before you even start answering.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
as you said, so many different types its not even funny. you will probably need to relocate the rear turn signals and also install the bag supports to keep em off the pully etc.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Blacklick, Ohio a burb of Columbus
RE: Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
ORIGINAL: TurboRoadster
as you said, so many different types its not even funny. you will probably need to relocate the rear turn signals and also install the bag supports to keep em off the pully etc.
as you said, so many different types its not even funny. you will probably need to relocate the rear turn signals and also install the bag supports to keep em off the pully etc.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
most bags on the market will not fit in place with the rear turn signals sticking out. I used to have a set that fit, but was a paint o open because the turn signal stuck out though a hole right above the flap.
so, there are kits to relocate the turn signals and learn this now....there are kits for everything and anything you could imagine. Tons and tons of ways to get the dollar from your pocket into theirs. Try looking at JP cycles online, thye have a lot of good stuff, I have had good luck with their shipping and service. You will need to do some research and then choose wisely.
so, there are kits to relocate the turn signals and learn this now....there are kits for everything and anything you could imagine. Tons and tons of ways to get the dollar from your pocket into theirs. Try looking at JP cycles online, thye have a lot of good stuff, I have had good luck with their shipping and service. You will need to do some research and then choose wisely.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Blacklick, Ohio a burb of Columbus
RE: Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
Ok now I understand somewhat more clearly. Thanks Turbo guess it is time for me to start nosing around the net for this stuff and I will also look at that place you named online
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
RE: Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
I'm pretty much working on both of these right now myself. As folks have mentioned, there seem to be tons of choices for saddlebags, and I still have not figured out what my best choice is yet. I'm leaning toward something that locks so that I can keep a tool kit and tire repair stuff in the saddlebag without worrying about the casual light fingered Louie walking away with what I keep in there, but anything that locks is on the expensive side (e.g. the Rigid leather that Harley sells are $700).
Taking care of the paint and whatnot is also something I've been trying to figure out. Hell, just washing it seems like an interesting adventure since I'm assuming I don't just want to soap it up and then hose it down. So far, I went with soaping it up, then wiping it down with a nice, wet towel rather than turning the hose on it. For wax on the paint, I did run the clay bar over it to remove any contaminants that may have been left on the paint, then threw on a coat of Zaino like I have done with my car. However, I have no idea what I should do with the chrome at this time. I've done some research on the web and it seems like most of the "chrome polish" out there has mild abrasives and is designed to polish pitted chrome. I'm not sure what the best way is, yet, to keep the chrome clean and, better yet, to polish it in some way so that it is easier to keep clean.
So, any advice on the the best way to clean and wax a motorcycle would be greatly appreciated for me.
Taking care of the paint and whatnot is also something I've been trying to figure out. Hell, just washing it seems like an interesting adventure since I'm assuming I don't just want to soap it up and then hose it down. So far, I went with soaping it up, then wiping it down with a nice, wet towel rather than turning the hose on it. For wax on the paint, I did run the clay bar over it to remove any contaminants that may have been left on the paint, then threw on a coat of Zaino like I have done with my car. However, I have no idea what I should do with the chrome at this time. I've done some research on the web and it seems like most of the "chrome polish" out there has mild abrasives and is designed to polish pitted chrome. I'm not sure what the best way is, yet, to keep the chrome clean and, better yet, to polish it in some way so that it is easier to keep clean.
So, any advice on the the best way to clean and wax a motorcycle would be greatly appreciated for me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS!!!!
RE: Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
For cleaning and polishing, the search function on this site will work wonders for you. We have a whole section on bike care.
As for the bags, look around the net or in your Harley parts catalog. You will require a turn signal relocation which isn't too hard but you might wanna enlist the help of a friend who is mechanically inclined. You'll definitely want to get the support brackets to keep the bags and bike good.
As for the bags, look around the net or in your Harley parts catalog. You will require a turn signal relocation which isn't too hard but you might wanna enlist the help of a friend who is mechanically inclined. You'll definitely want to get the support brackets to keep the bags and bike good.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
I use this spray on cleaner that Harley makes, cleans and polishes everything, from the windshield, lenses, chrome and paint...I use a microfiber cloth because someone told me that even soft rags will leave scratches in your paint. So far this stuff works great, but now I'm told it will be discontinued, it was about eight bucks and the microfiber cloth was about the same, it washes up beautiful, but don't drop it on the ground , you'll pick up grit and scratch your paint.
Been caught a few times in the rain and it cleaned up pretty nice afterwards, has a good smell.
Somebody told me honda makes the same spray, so when I run out I will take a look there.
Pauline
Been caught a few times in the rain and it cleaned up pretty nice afterwards, has a good smell.
Somebody told me honda makes the same spray, so when I run out I will take a look there.
Pauline
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Looking for suggestions on a couple of things
I use this spray on cleaner that Harley makes, cleans and polishes everything, from the windshield, lenses, chrome and paint...I use a microfiber cloth because someone told me that even soft rags will leave scratches in your paint. So far this stuff works great, but now I'm told it will be discontinued, it was about eight bucks and the microfiber cloth was about the same, it washes up beautiful, but don't drop it on the ground , you'll pick up grit and scratch your paint.
Been caught a few times in the rain and it cleaned up pretty nice afterwards, has a good smell.
Somebody told me honda makes the same spray, so when I run out I will take a look there.
Pauline
Been caught a few times in the rain and it cleaned up pretty nice afterwards, has a good smell.
Somebody told me honda makes the same spray, so when I run out I will take a look there.
Pauline
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post